Reflexive Pronoun Lesson - Definition, Usage and Examples

Lesson Overview

• What Is a Reflexive Pronoun?
• List the Reflexive Pronouns
• How to Make Reflexive Pronouns Sentence
• Examples of Reflexive Pronouns
• Reflexive Pronouns Assessment

Reflexive pronouns help make sentences clear and precise. They allow you to talk about actions that someone does to themselves, making your communication more direct. In this lesson, we will learn how reflexive pronouns fit into sentences and how to use them properly.

What Is a Reflexive Pronoun?

A reflexive pronoun is a word used when the subject and the object of a sentence are the same.                                                                        

These pronouns often end with "-self" in singular form or "-selves" in plural form.

Example of Reflexive Noun in a Sentence

• She taught herself to play the piano.
  Here, "herself" refers back to the subject, "she," showing that the action affects the same person.

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List the Reflexive Pronouns

Reflexive pronouns match their subject in both number and person. 

Here's a complete list

How to Make Reflexive Pronouns Sentence

Follow these steps to use reflexive pronouns correctly

Step 1: Identify the subject of the sentence.

In this step, the subject of the sentence is identified as the person or thing performing the action or being described.

For example

They are painting.

In this sentence, they is the subject because they are the ones performing the action of painting.

Identifying the subject helps clarify who or what is involved in the action or state described in the sentence. It's an important first step in understanding sentence structure.

Step 2: Ensure the subject and object are the same.

The subject and object must refer to the same person or thing. This is necessary for using a reflexive pronoun correctly.

For example

Maria is painting herself.

In this case, Maria is both the subject (the one doing the action) and the object (the one receiving the action).

This step ensures that the reflexive pronoun matches both the subject and the object in the sentence.

Step 3: Choose the correct reflexive pronoun.

Match the pronoun to the subject based on person and number. Reflexive pronouns must agree with the subject in both person and number.

For example
For "Maria," use "herself."

• Maria is singular and third-person, so we use "herself."
  Choosing the correct reflexive pronoun ensures that the sentence is grammatically correct and conveys the intended meaning.

Step 4: Place the reflexive pronoun correctly.

Usually, the reflexive pronoun comes after the verb or preposition in the sentence.

For example

She looks at herself in the mirror.

Step 5: Check for clarity and proper meaning.

Ensure the sentence makes sense and conveys the right idea. The reflexive pronoun should not cause confusion and should match the meaning of the sentence.

For example

They taught themselves how to play the guitar.

In this sentence, the reflexive pronoun "themselves" makes it clear that they are both the ones teaching and learning the action.

Check that the reflexive pronoun aligns with the meaning and structure of the sentence to ensure clarity.

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Examples of Reflexive Pronouns

Here are more examples to show how reflexive pronouns work in sentences

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P4 - Grammar 6 - Reflexive Pronoun

Reflexive Pronouns Assessment

Part 1: Identify the Reflexive Pronoun in Each Sentence.

1. She prepared herself for the big test.
2. The dog chased itself in circles.
3. They taught themselves how to play the piano.
4. He blamed himself for the mistake.
5. I introduced myself to the new teacher.

Part 2: Determine if the Reflexive Pronoun is Used Correctly or Incorrectly.

1. Sarah bought herself a new dress.
2. The children enjoyed themselves at the park.
3. We saw ourselves in the mirror.
4. He told himself a joke and laughed.
5. The cat washed himself after eating.

Answers

Part 1:

1. herself
2. itself
3. themselves
4. himself
5. myself

Part 2:

1. Correct
2. Correct
3. Incorrect (should be We saw each other in the mirror.)
4. Correct
5. Incorrect (should be The cat washed itself after eating.)